You open your door for them, offer them food. You give them shelter.
You wait. Anticipation courses through your veins. Your mouth salivates.
You gaze upon them and grin. They are asleep.
Rising, you stalk toward the man. He barely opens his eyes when you strike.
Ah . . . Heaven. Hot blood of your victim stains your mouth. Man flesh tastes wonderful.
Yamauba (or Onibaba) is a Japanese demoness or ogress that was once human. Usually these women fled because of their wicked deeds or were abandoned in times of famine, but they survive to become yokai.
They are classified in the kijo type yokai. They are cannibalistic and will 'help' travelers and shelter them for the night in their huts. They will attack after their guests have fallen asleep.
They usually live in isolated mountains and forests far from civilization.
Yamauba may have once been kami before being demonized.
One story has a Yamauba raising Kintaro, a legendary hero.
They can also be found in Noh plays.
Seems a bit lazy. Heh. Invite you in, wait until you're asleep... and then...
ReplyDeleteWell, they were once frail old ladies. Give them credit for surviving starvation out I the wilderness. :)
DeleteThis was fascinating. I did quite a bit of research on demons and vampires for the game company I write for. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Love historical stories on his stuff.
DeleteAt least the victims die in their sleep. They'll have no idea what happened.
ReplyDelete~Ninja Minion Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
Heh heh. I don't think they remain asleep.
DeleteSo many amazing and scary monsters. Job well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you! and congrats on finding so many serial killers!
DeleteNot the best B&B ever, unless you want to be the breakfast :)
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
It took me a a couple of times reading this to get it (coffee hasn't kicked in yet) but I finally laughed!
DeleteWe did it! I've loved reading your posts and I would love to stay in touch after the challenge :)
ReplyDeleteDebbie